Work Out for Free!

Spring has finally (finally!) arrived, which means summer is right around the corner—a.k.a., swimsuit season. Whether you want to get in shape for vanity's sake, or just want to get out and get active now that being outside is actually appealing, there are a number of options to jumpstart your workout routine—for free.

Free Running Buddies The easiest free workout is to lace up your tennies and go for a jog. For the less-than-self-motivated, finding a pal can help keep you both on pace. Ask friends, post on Facebook or Craig's List, see if your local running or sports shop has a pair-up or group-run program, or check out Meetup.com (a bring-people-together website)—also a good option if you're looking for a bicycling crew.

Free Workout Classes Sometimes, there's power in numbers. If you prefer to exercise en masse, check out your local recreation departments, YMCA, or other community-based centers for classes (or even gym-access days) that are free and open to the public. Also, look into yoga and pilates studios for donation-based "community" sessions (OK, not free, but cheap). If you happen to live near a Lululemon store, check out its community calendar for free yoga or other classes (the one near me has occasional outdoor boot camps—see right—and a regular running group).

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Free Fitness Trials Gyms often offer free trial weeks (or low-cost trial months) as a way to woo potential members. Look on their websites or just call 'em up and ask—even if there's no advertised specials, they may have offers you can't refuse. Another option: Scope Yipit.com or other daily deal sites for deeply discounted workout opportunities.

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